Lakewood council moves to regulate e-cigarettes

The City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday setting the stage for regulating electronic cigarette use the same as tobacco products in the city.

The city, for example, doesn’t allow smoking in public places or restaurants, and that would apply to e-cigarettes.

The council must approve the ordinance a second time following a public hearing at an upcoming council meeting before it could become law.

The use of e-cigarettes or vapor devices is not regulated by the state or federal government. They can be used in any public location or facility. However, on the retail side, they are treated like tobacco products, which means minors can’t purchase them.